SWAMPSCOTT — The Earth Removal Advisory Committee addressed ongoing challenges related to the effects of Holcim Group and Aggregate Industries’ blasting at the quarry on Danvers Road on residents at its meeting Tuesday night.
The site uses horns to signal when equipment is about to be used. However, two new horns have been installed to warn for when actual blasting is on the verge of taking place. Multiple committee members testified that they did not hear the warning horn ahead of the most recent blasting, which took place on Monday.
Committee member John Picariello suggested that a siren similar to that of a fire engine could be more audible. However, Chair Joseph Markarian suggested giving the current system more time, as the horns have only been used for one day so far.
The committee then tentatively planned to invite residents to Swampscott High School to voice their experiences living in close proximity to the quarry sometime in October.
“We had decided that while litigation was going on, we would not meet with residents, but that’s finally behind us now,” Markarian said. “We’re in a permit year, so it should be sometime this year.”
Markarian also updated his fellow members on his communication with Select Board Chair MaryEllen Fletcher on holding a site visit during operation hours for town leadership.
“My preference would be to actually have them go into the quarry when it’s in operation so they can understand what the community is hearing,” Picariello said.
